What is The Avalanche Center?
The Avalanche Center is a free directory of official avalanche forecast centers around the world, currently covering the United States, Canada, the Alps, Japan and New Zealand. It gathers them in one place so you can quickly find the center that covers where you are going.
Is this site an avalanche forecast?
No. We do not write, edit or summarize forecasts. Every link on this site goes to an official forecast center, and that center's own current forecast is the source to read.
Which avalanche center covers my area?
Search by state, province, country or mountain range on the home page, or browse by region below. Each center covers specific mountains, so check that the one you pick covers the exact area you plan to visit.
Some mountain areas have no public avalanche forecast. That does not mean conditions there are safe.
What do the five danger levels mean?
Most forecast services rate avalanche danger on a five-level scale. In the US and Canada it is the North American Public Avalanche Danger Scale: 1 Low, 2 Moderate, 3 Considerable, 4 High and 5 Extreme. European services use the European Avalanche Danger Scale, where the fifth level is called Very High. The official definitions are published by Avalanche.org, Avalanche Canada and the European Avalanche Warning Services. Other services explain the scale they use on their own websites.
The rating is only a summary. Each forecast explains what the danger looks like on that day and where, so read the whole forecast rather than just the color.
How often are forecasts updated?
It depends on the center and the time of year. Most centers publish forecasts on a regular schedule during their winter season, and some publish less often or not at all outside it. Seasons also differ between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Check your center's website for its schedule and the date on the current forecast.
Who runs the avalanche forecast centers?
They are run by a mix of government agencies, national weather and research institutes, and nonprofit organizations. Each center's website explains who operates it.
Are forecasts available in English?
Many are, but some services publish only in their local language. Those are marked in our list.
How can I learn about avalanche safety?
Take a formal avalanche course from a qualified provider. Many forecast centers list courses and free awareness events in their area on their websites. This site does not offer training or safety advice.
Is The Avalanche Center affiliated with any forecast center?
No. The Avalanche Center is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or operated by any of the forecast centers listed here.